Learn from Your Rivals

Competing with a work colleague can feel like a waste of time. Why do you care so much about what she does? Why is she obsessing about your accomplishments? But rivalries like these can help answer two important questions:

What are my weaknesses? Rivalry is often a form of envy: Your competitor has a trait or skill you (sometimes grudgingly) admire. If you find something incredibly irritating about him, think about whether it’s because you lack the very competency you’re criticizing.

Am I thinking big enough? Stalking a rival can unlock breakthrough possibilities for growth. If she is inventing a new product or launching a new initiative, is there something you can do that would have an even bigger impact?